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A Walk in the Snark
Debut author Rachel Thompson’s A Walk In The Snark is a chart mainstay based on Rachel’s popular blog entries about the Mancode. A Walk in the Snark connects love, loss, motherhood, work experiences, and of course, relationships in one humorous novel.This bestseller is one hundred percent pure honesty. Can you handle the snark?
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2011
39 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Thompson
9 books1,364 followersRachel Thompson is the author of the award-winning, bestselling Broken Places (one of IndieReader’s “Best of 2015” top books and 2015 Honorable Mention Winner in both the Los Angeles and the San Francisco Book Festivals), and the bestselling, multi-award-winning Broken Pieces, as well as two additional humor books, A Walk In The Snark and Mancode: Exposed. She recently released her first business book, the BadRedhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge, to stellar reviews. She is thrilled to be included in Feminine Collective’s two anthologies, Love Notes From Humanity: The Lust, Love & Loss Collection and Raw and Unfiltered Vol 1: Selected Essays and Poems on Relationships with Self and Others.
About: Business and Writing
She owns BadRedhead Media, creating effective social media and book marketing campaigns for authors. Her articles appear regularly in The Huffington Post, Feminine Collective, IndieReader.com, The Verbs on Medium, Vocal Media, Mogul.com, and several other publications. Connect with Rachel at RachelintheOC.com or BadRedheadMedia.com.
Not just an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, Rachel is the creator and founder of the hashtag phenomenon #MondayBlogs and the live weekly Twitter chats, #SexAbuseChat, co-hosted with certified therapist/survivor, Bobbi Parish (Tuesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST), and #BookMarketingChat, co-hosted with author assistant Melissa Flickinger (Wednesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST). She hates walks in the rain, running out of coffee, and coconut. She lives in California with her family.
About: Business and Writing
She owns BadRedhead Media, creating effective social media and book marketing campaigns for authors. Her articles appear regularly in The Huffington Post, Feminine Collective, IndieReader.com, The Verbs on Medium, Vocal Media, Mogul.com, and several other publications. Connect with Rachel at RachelintheOC.com or BadRedheadMedia.com.
Not just an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, Rachel is the creator and founder of the hashtag phenomenon #MondayBlogs and the live weekly Twitter chats, #SexAbuseChat, co-hosted with certified therapist/survivor, Bobbi Parish (Tuesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST), and #BookMarketingChat, co-hosted with author assistant Melissa Flickinger (Wednesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST). She hates walks in the rain, running out of coffee, and coconut. She lives in California with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 28, 2011
Ok, I must confess, when I got an advance copy of this truly funny, well written and insightful collection of perspectives from "Our Lady of the Redheads" (@RachelintheOC on Twitter) I thought, "Okay, here we go...) I'm a guy so, like most guys I'm, like,: "What?", with that blank look and a trace of fear and rebellion in my eyes...But, Rachel cleverly had me by the first few sentences so I had to read on, if for no other reason than to gain insight to the updated doctrine of woman-ness so I could run back to the man-camp and breathlessly tell my fellow mens what "they" were up to and what "they" wanted. Since it involved taboos like cooking and dishes and, MUCH worse stuff. So, after reading this thing I laughed, read, then laughed some more. It wasn't till the end that I found myself thinking, "Ya know - she's right!", then I realized she had me, she had gotten to me and I didn't even know it till the end.
"You're good," I say waggling a finger at her red hair, "You're good!"
Fellow mens, I don't know what to say, just read this thing and you'll see why I have raised the white flag in the man-camp I control. And, do us ALL a favor, as men, Please Please - throw away - (yes right now) any and all "golf pants" (especially if they're lime green).
Thank you - That is all.
Here's my original review posted in all the best reviews spots on the web:
Please read this it took me all day to write it! Thank you so much.
Rachel, Rachel, Rachel.
RachelintheOC.
For the first time in a LONG time, upon reading the very latest from the upwardly mobile west coast suburban mind of "Our Lady in the OC" - I laughed. I just plain laughed.
Words like "Manesia", (I think I have that, often, and the doctor says it's permanent, with me), "Refrigeratoritis" and other brilliant new terms (which I believe will become part of 21st century Americana speech) all come under her own trademarked heading of "The Mancode" and a new and shadowy term and/or secret society she calls: "Chickspeak."
Underneath her "snarky" witty perspective and very clever writing is, I think....a true desire on Rachel's part to change the world, one guy at a time.
So, let the training begin! Wait...What? (guy panic, I'm ok now)
I must announce at this point that I have resolved, Thanks to Ms.R, to be "the man" and actually change the toilet paper roll from now on. Hamper etiquette and other "guy" "rights" were battles long ago fought and LOST, by yours truly. I keep quiet, I cook, take out the trash and do laundry. I even surrender the remote, on occasion. I think Rachel might be very pleased.
(I'm working on the anniversary thing....I swear!)
Rachel's love of 80's rock is quite endearing, as is her instructional manual for women, regarding "war paint" and other personal issues. P.S. - I know what a "Chanel" is: It's ESPN, Discovery and Spike TV, right? Right?
As a guy, I'd rather shovel snow naked in Siberia than have dinner at the "in-laws", though in our case it's just dear old "Mom" (argggg, I just bit my tongue..), but...I do.
Chick Time? Huh? What?
Lists? Huh? What?
Rach- can I call you Rach? Rach has her own way of covering the bases of life from her very own place in the sun. She freely dispenses her lofty wisdom to both men and women with both humor and a hint of an edge that makes a guy not want to mess with her.
Shopping? Huh? What? (guy panic again...I'm ok now)
Of Rachel's 4 types of "male" shoppers I think I'm the closest to "Mr. Happy."
And, SPS is not an affliction I posess. Wohooooo!
Could you speak up please? My "selective hearing" is acting up again..HAH!
"M.A.N. Disease" is an epidemic here in the U.S.! (I did not know that...)
It goes on and on.
Closet space? Uhhhh, we have a closet?
Prada? Isn't that near Cleveland?
Dinners out, Christmas trees. "Her Redness" covers subjects fearlessly.
Finally folks, Rach, I gotta tell ya - I will/can never look at a "coffee maker" the same way again. EVER.
Hmmmm, I wonder if they come in red?
Rachel, "The Mancode Maven," has a heart for battered women and kids and is involved with these issues, locally. Rachel gives us a "no-holds-barred" insight to her trek here on earth, including opening her heart and discussing a true, and, what must be for her, extremely painful story about someone she loved very much. She's a founding member of the "Indie Book Collective" and is a feature player in a great and very well done indie author tour called "Blog Tour de Force". All available through the links associated somewhere herein.
Ladies - "THE BEST OF RACHELINTHEOC: A WALK IN THE SNARK" - a collection of Rachel's best stuff, should be at the top of your "recommended readin'" list for you and your guymanperson. Maybe it should even be a required reading "manual" for marriage. I'm pretty sure it could solve ALL the problems couples face, stop global warming and result in a true and lasting world peace. If nothing else it'll make you think, laugh, think, and laugh some more.
"You're good," I say waggling a finger at her red hair, "You're good!"
Fellow mens, I don't know what to say, just read this thing and you'll see why I have raised the white flag in the man-camp I control. And, do us ALL a favor, as men, Please Please - throw away - (yes right now) any and all "golf pants" (especially if they're lime green).
Thank you - That is all.
Here's my original review posted in all the best reviews spots on the web:
Please read this it took me all day to write it! Thank you so much.
Rachel, Rachel, Rachel.
RachelintheOC.
For the first time in a LONG time, upon reading the very latest from the upwardly mobile west coast suburban mind of "Our Lady in the OC" - I laughed. I just plain laughed.
Words like "Manesia", (I think I have that, often, and the doctor says it's permanent, with me), "Refrigeratoritis" and other brilliant new terms (which I believe will become part of 21st century Americana speech) all come under her own trademarked heading of "The Mancode" and a new and shadowy term and/or secret society she calls: "Chickspeak."
Underneath her "snarky" witty perspective and very clever writing is, I think....a true desire on Rachel's part to change the world, one guy at a time.
So, let the training begin! Wait...What? (guy panic, I'm ok now)
I must announce at this point that I have resolved, Thanks to Ms.R, to be "the man" and actually change the toilet paper roll from now on. Hamper etiquette and other "guy" "rights" were battles long ago fought and LOST, by yours truly. I keep quiet, I cook, take out the trash and do laundry. I even surrender the remote, on occasion. I think Rachel might be very pleased.
(I'm working on the anniversary thing....I swear!)
Rachel's love of 80's rock is quite endearing, as is her instructional manual for women, regarding "war paint" and other personal issues. P.S. - I know what a "Chanel" is: It's ESPN, Discovery and Spike TV, right? Right?
As a guy, I'd rather shovel snow naked in Siberia than have dinner at the "in-laws", though in our case it's just dear old "Mom" (argggg, I just bit my tongue..), but...I do.
Chick Time? Huh? What?
Lists? Huh? What?
Rach- can I call you Rach? Rach has her own way of covering the bases of life from her very own place in the sun. She freely dispenses her lofty wisdom to both men and women with both humor and a hint of an edge that makes a guy not want to mess with her.
Shopping? Huh? What? (guy panic again...I'm ok now)
Of Rachel's 4 types of "male" shoppers I think I'm the closest to "Mr. Happy."
And, SPS is not an affliction I posess. Wohooooo!
Could you speak up please? My "selective hearing" is acting up again..HAH!
"M.A.N. Disease" is an epidemic here in the U.S.! (I did not know that...)
It goes on and on.
Closet space? Uhhhh, we have a closet?
Prada? Isn't that near Cleveland?
Dinners out, Christmas trees. "Her Redness" covers subjects fearlessly.
Finally folks, Rach, I gotta tell ya - I will/can never look at a "coffee maker" the same way again. EVER.
Hmmmm, I wonder if they come in red?
Rachel, "The Mancode Maven," has a heart for battered women and kids and is involved with these issues, locally. Rachel gives us a "no-holds-barred" insight to her trek here on earth, including opening her heart and discussing a true, and, what must be for her, extremely painful story about someone she loved very much. She's a founding member of the "Indie Book Collective" and is a feature player in a great and very well done indie author tour called "Blog Tour de Force". All available through the links associated somewhere herein.
Ladies - "THE BEST OF RACHELINTHEOC: A WALK IN THE SNARK" - a collection of Rachel's best stuff, should be at the top of your "recommended readin'" list for you and your guymanperson. Maybe it should even be a required reading "manual" for marriage. I'm pretty sure it could solve ALL the problems couples face, stop global warming and result in a true and lasting world peace. If nothing else it'll make you think, laugh, think, and laugh some more.
February 12, 2012
I am not ashamed to admit that nonfiction is not a genre I normally gravitate to, but after connecting with the author, Rachel Thompson, through Twitter and learning so much from her about using Social Media as a new indie author, so I decided to check out her book - and I am so glad that I did!!
A Walk in the Snark had me smiling and nodding my head with almost every story. It was fun, it was real. And what really brought this book home for me was not just the "snark" parts, it was the real-life, from the heart stories where Rachel discussed her experiences with a past love - a part of her life from when she was younger, still finding and defining herself, that in different ways, contributed to the woman she is now. She hasn't let her past love experience control her life, but her writing about it in such an open forum, takes amazing courage and heart.
More often than not, as I was reading, I found myself nodding and even laughing with a lot of what Rachel was talking about as I have experienced and wondered and questioned myself on numerous occasions! Some of my favorite chapters/topics included: M.A.N. Disease (Male Avoidance Neuroses) especially as it pertains to the whole toilet paper/paper towel issue; Better In Than Out - that is my life! This quote here had me nodding my head enthusiastically: "Personally, I find it most interesting that people (and by people I mean my husband) don't sneeze in their sleep, but can still let one rip without waking up."; and my all-time favorite: Kitchenitis - "When I'm sick, I'm still expected to clean the house." I get that all the time!!!
So, before I continue with what could be a never-ending rant of how much I loved this book, I am going to wrap up by saying that if you haven't taken a chance and grabbed up a copy of your own - do it!!! You won't be sorry!!
A Walk in the Snark had me smiling and nodding my head with almost every story. It was fun, it was real. And what really brought this book home for me was not just the "snark" parts, it was the real-life, from the heart stories where Rachel discussed her experiences with a past love - a part of her life from when she was younger, still finding and defining herself, that in different ways, contributed to the woman she is now. She hasn't let her past love experience control her life, but her writing about it in such an open forum, takes amazing courage and heart.
More often than not, as I was reading, I found myself nodding and even laughing with a lot of what Rachel was talking about as I have experienced and wondered and questioned myself on numerous occasions! Some of my favorite chapters/topics included: M.A.N. Disease (Male Avoidance Neuroses) especially as it pertains to the whole toilet paper/paper towel issue; Better In Than Out - that is my life! This quote here had me nodding my head enthusiastically: "Personally, I find it most interesting that people (and by people I mean my husband) don't sneeze in their sleep, but can still let one rip without waking up."; and my all-time favorite: Kitchenitis - "When I'm sick, I'm still expected to clean the house." I get that all the time!!!
So, before I continue with what could be a never-ending rant of how much I loved this book, I am going to wrap up by saying that if you haven't taken a chance and grabbed up a copy of your own - do it!!! You won't be sorry!!
January 28, 2012
This was a free kindle download, and a good thing because I would have felt let-down had I purchased it. It's a collection of posts from her blog, loosely configured into a book. A few bits were funny, but most were too cliched for me. Women love shoes, guys love the remote and don't pick up after themselves. Yup, got it!
The "poignancy alert" bits about an ex-boyfriend who committed suicide felt like they belonged in another book. They were clearly heartfelt and not badly written but in the context of this type of book they were jarring (even with the "warnings") and somewhat repetitive as well.
My favorite bit was when she attempted to school her daughter in Pet Benatar, mostly because I was singing every song in my head as she mentioned the titles!
The "poignancy alert" bits about an ex-boyfriend who committed suicide felt like they belonged in another book. They were clearly heartfelt and not badly written but in the context of this type of book they were jarring (even with the "warnings") and somewhat repetitive as well.
My favorite bit was when she attempted to school her daughter in Pet Benatar, mostly because I was singing every song in my head as she mentioned the titles!
November 26, 2015
WOW! What a funny and relatable book! Rachel Thompson had me laughing out loud and hooked from the very first page. But the book wasn't all lighthearted and funny... There were some serious pieces thrown in. And the weaving of the snarky humor and seriousness was brilliant.
I read this book while traveling abroad with my boss on a 20+ hour flight. When we first took off, for whatever reason, we started talking about the difference between men and women. Towards the end of our first leg, I started reading this book. Of course he was curious what was making me laugh out loud. I handed my Kindle to him and although he only read a few pages he too was laughing. And when a man can laugh about how another man acts, in a snarky way, you know the book is brilliant!
I read this book while traveling abroad with my boss on a 20+ hour flight. When we first took off, for whatever reason, we started talking about the difference between men and women. Towards the end of our first leg, I started reading this book. Of course he was curious what was making me laugh out loud. I handed my Kindle to him and although he only read a few pages he too was laughing. And when a man can laugh about how another man acts, in a snarky way, you know the book is brilliant!
May 5, 2011
Don’t you love when a book is exactly what it says it is? A Walk in the Snark is the tale of a woman who doesn’t understand the things men do… or why on earth they have to do them that way. Told with humor and tact, Rachel presents a fun and quick read that makes a whole lot of sense. I found it amusing that I do some of the things that she was complaining about her husband doing… moving on… I loved that Rachel managed to integrate little pieces of compassion and advice into this book while maintaining the tone of the collection. Overall: Yes! Go read this and be amused! 4 Stars from me.
This review was originally posted in May's Monthly Mini's post at http://baffledbooks.com
This review was originally posted in May's Monthly Mini's post at http://baffledbooks.com
March 6, 2013
I finished this book - but only because I kept hoping it would get better. I read several reviews, and am wondering if my copy was different. While I did find some of the relationship, and MANCODE, stuff easy to relate to and amusing, the term hilarious seems like quite the stretch for me. I found the book repetetive and somewhat lacking in substance. To be fair - perhaps reading it in short blog entries seems more appropriate. I also found the parts about D to a bit whiny and not fitting in with the rest of the book.
March 1, 2013
I really enjoyed the commentary in the differences between men and women. She has a great sense of humor and obviously a wonderful relationship. I loved the more serious poignant moments as well. Very good book!
July 7, 2012
Funny, snarky, cutting, all mixed in with the story of her ex. Not sure the point of that but she does tell you when to skip forward as she is getting poignant.
April 6, 2011
We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing Love Is A Battlefield - Pat Benatar
when i picked up this book to read and review, i was not expecting to be laughing half the time. apparently the "battle of the sexes" is far from over and it takes place not only in my neighborhood and home but also in Rachel's OC household - that's Orange County and not Obsessive Compulsive as i unerringly thought of much to my embarrassment.
now the the remaining half found me a little introspective as Rachel relates a part of her life that's disturbing, sad and painful. her trips down memory lane struck me as i looked at my own mortality, the wrong decisions i made, the negative actions i did and its consequences in my life and in others.
i am not from the US or Canada and despite the cultural differences and geographical location, i was somehow convinced as Rachel puts it that we men are indeed from Seinfeld and women are from Friends. she does have some uncanny observations. i tested a few among my male friends and colleagues. predictably, the results were positive.
i have to raise a white flag to some of her allegations. though i believe that there are always exceptions to the rule, Rachel still made me think and laugh at myself then laugh again and think some more:
* i know i have more than 5 microSD cards, 4 SD cards, 5 thumb drives, a box of double layered Read-Write DVDs, a 320 Gigabyte external drive and my laptop has a 451 Gigabyte RAM but i still want more storage space. i am even thinking of having my own server at home. why? i just want to and need to!
* i can do watercolor landscapes and play the recorder but i never did manage to insert the toilet paper properly in its little space in our bathroom. why? beats me.
* i like things in order and organized but there are moments when i am done preparing a meal that i view cleaning the kitchen counter and sink as a none life-threatening situation and therefore does not warrant an immediate response. it can wait. why? refer to Scarlett O'Hara's famous line.
there are a few more i want to point out but talking about them here would be something akin to self-incrimination and a possible violation of the brotherhood's #Mancode.
seriously though Rachel speaks with a voice that is funny, poignant, enlightening and real.
as i read A Walk In The Snark, i laughed and cringed at the right places. i certainly learned and picked up something here and there and i hope you would too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of A Walk In The Snark from the author herself as part of the Bestseller For A Day promotion. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
when i picked up this book to read and review, i was not expecting to be laughing half the time. apparently the "battle of the sexes" is far from over and it takes place not only in my neighborhood and home but also in Rachel's OC household - that's Orange County and not Obsessive Compulsive as i unerringly thought of much to my embarrassment.
now the the remaining half found me a little introspective as Rachel relates a part of her life that's disturbing, sad and painful. her trips down memory lane struck me as i looked at my own mortality, the wrong decisions i made, the negative actions i did and its consequences in my life and in others.
i am not from the US or Canada and despite the cultural differences and geographical location, i was somehow convinced as Rachel puts it that we men are indeed from Seinfeld and women are from Friends. she does have some uncanny observations. i tested a few among my male friends and colleagues. predictably, the results were positive.
i have to raise a white flag to some of her allegations. though i believe that there are always exceptions to the rule, Rachel still made me think and laugh at myself then laugh again and think some more:
* i know i have more than 5 microSD cards, 4 SD cards, 5 thumb drives, a box of double layered Read-Write DVDs, a 320 Gigabyte external drive and my laptop has a 451 Gigabyte RAM but i still want more storage space. i am even thinking of having my own server at home. why? i just want to and need to!
* i can do watercolor landscapes and play the recorder but i never did manage to insert the toilet paper properly in its little space in our bathroom. why? beats me.
* i like things in order and organized but there are moments when i am done preparing a meal that i view cleaning the kitchen counter and sink as a none life-threatening situation and therefore does not warrant an immediate response. it can wait. why? refer to Scarlett O'Hara's famous line.
there are a few more i want to point out but talking about them here would be something akin to self-incrimination and a possible violation of the brotherhood's #Mancode.
seriously though Rachel speaks with a voice that is funny, poignant, enlightening and real.
as i read A Walk In The Snark, i laughed and cringed at the right places. i certainly learned and picked up something here and there and i hope you would too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of A Walk In The Snark from the author herself as part of the Bestseller For A Day promotion. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
June 17, 2011
I can't review A Walk In The Snark by Rachel Thompson - better known as Rachel in the OC - without reviewing the author herself. A Walk In The Snark is a collection of the best-of-the-best from the author's wildly popular blog. In this best selling eBook the reader gets a wonderful taste of different aspects of her writing - from gut-wrenching hilarious, to the quiet seriousness of the authors heart. Rachel is relentless as she deconstructs the mysteries of men, women, relationships, and the perfect martini.
In this loosely autobiographical set of short vignettes the author uses humor and a snarky attitude to tackle issues that are serious and silly with equal gusto. She skillfully explains the mancode to clueless women while helping us guys understand the maddening complexities of chickspeak. Her insightful walk-throughs guide the reader boldly across minefields like "I'm fine," and into advanced areas of training such as shopping. There is no subject, controversial or mundane, Rachel is afraid to take a swipe at.
A Walk In The Snark isn't all pokes and tickles, however. At times the author lays herself bare with heart rending candor. We are graciously allowed to share her sorrows along with her joys. The humor is often self-depreciating with the author laughing as much at herself, and her gender, as she does the men she dearly loves. Rachel likes to present the image of a snarky bitch, but she is one of the sweetest, most generous people I've met. Just don't call her cute.
I am somewhat reminded of famous columnists from the past such as Erma Bombeck, but Rachel in the OC is very much a woman of today. Her humor and delivery are fresh and new. The confused friction between men and women isn't a new source of humor, but Rachel gives it a hard backspin. Buy the book, read until you fall out of your chair laughing, then follow her blog. The snark never stops, it just keep going and going and going...
Drop in on Rachel's blog, or follow her on twitter. And make sure you tell her Max said hello.
**WARNING** Do not visit Rachel in the OC, or read A Walk In The Snark while drinking any type of beverage. This will cause damage to nearby electronics when you spew said beverage from your mouth and nose. You have been warned.
June 11, 2012
I admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opted to review this book. I wasn't familiar with the author at all, but I have a pretty warped, rather sarcastic sense of humor, so didn't think I could go wrong. And I didn't... much.
Even when I struggled to identify with the somewhat stereotypical man vs. women thing in this book, I enjoyed it. You see, I'm not a girly-girl. I own about five pairs of shoes (one for each purpose: sneakers, hiking boots, snow boots, flip-flops, and pumps), I see the hair-stylist once a year (if I'm lucky and work up the energy), couldn't care less about jewelry (the only thing of value I have is my wedding ring) and don't even know what a cosmopolitan is. The charm of Sex in the City was lost on me.
So, when the author ran with the assumption that we were all similar in type, it made it a little hard for me to identify, but as I pushed forward, I realized the truth is, under that wrapper we are all much the same. She may wear Manolo's, and my most expensive shoes are my Crocs, but we feel the same about those things that matter.
I did a lot of nodding, snorting in laughter, and just plain grinning as I continued. The part about the remote control and men -- absolutely right on. And, she makes it clear she's not ridiculing anyone, but simply finding the fun and humor in real life (at least life in the OC -- write what you know, right?). I think we can all appreciate it, smile and smirk (because it's true: my husband can't change the toilet paper roll ... I swear, it's a universal fact that men are genetically unable to do so).
Before you think it's all fun and games, though, think again. She addresses a very real problem some women live through: domestic abuse. With the same depth of emotion she entertains us with, she puts a face on the fear. She doesn't pull punches, but puts her experience out there in the hope it will help someone else. I admire her for digging deep and being willing to share what she went through.
A Walk in the Snark was a very enjoyable read. It's uplifting, definitely fun and surprisingly edifying. More, I was excited to see she has a blog on which this book is based, so that means I can keep on enjoying her insight into life even though I've finished reading the last page. I'm so pleased I was introduced to this author...because I'm absolutely a fan.
http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com...
Even when I struggled to identify with the somewhat stereotypical man vs. women thing in this book, I enjoyed it. You see, I'm not a girly-girl. I own about five pairs of shoes (one for each purpose: sneakers, hiking boots, snow boots, flip-flops, and pumps), I see the hair-stylist once a year (if I'm lucky and work up the energy), couldn't care less about jewelry (the only thing of value I have is my wedding ring) and don't even know what a cosmopolitan is. The charm of Sex in the City was lost on me.
So, when the author ran with the assumption that we were all similar in type, it made it a little hard for me to identify, but as I pushed forward, I realized the truth is, under that wrapper we are all much the same. She may wear Manolo's, and my most expensive shoes are my Crocs, but we feel the same about those things that matter.
I did a lot of nodding, snorting in laughter, and just plain grinning as I continued. The part about the remote control and men -- absolutely right on. And, she makes it clear she's not ridiculing anyone, but simply finding the fun and humor in real life (at least life in the OC -- write what you know, right?). I think we can all appreciate it, smile and smirk (because it's true: my husband can't change the toilet paper roll ... I swear, it's a universal fact that men are genetically unable to do so).
Before you think it's all fun and games, though, think again. She addresses a very real problem some women live through: domestic abuse. With the same depth of emotion she entertains us with, she puts a face on the fear. She doesn't pull punches, but puts her experience out there in the hope it will help someone else. I admire her for digging deep and being willing to share what she went through.
A Walk in the Snark was a very enjoyable read. It's uplifting, definitely fun and surprisingly edifying. More, I was excited to see she has a blog on which this book is based, so that means I can keep on enjoying her insight into life even though I've finished reading the last page. I'm so pleased I was introduced to this author...because I'm absolutely a fan.
http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com...
March 18, 2013
Blogger Rachel Thompson offers advice for turning a blog into a book. To determine whether it would have a market, she suggests asking “Have you experienced something that few others have? “It really doesn’t matter [what it is] as long as your experience is so far afield from everyday life so that people can escape into your book for a little while.” Or “You write about fairly ordinary topics, yet have a unique spin on them.”
A WALK IN THE SNARK, a collection of essays originally posted on her blog is in the latter category. Some of her observations are on the mark. I couldn’t identify with others. She provides humorous insight into relations and differences between men and women dealing with their daily lives, children, children, and work. I think every reader will find something which will make them say, “Tell me about it. Been there. Done that.”
An important section deals with being in an abusive relationship but being blind to it, despite warnings from others, because she was in love. Later on she refers to two broken arms I don’t know whether they were hers or her daughters because she doesn’t offer an explanation.
She points out the differences in the way men and women perceive things. “Women think tender is something their men should be; men think tender is something their steak should be.”
Among the differences are food, temperature, the television remote control (“They turn it up simply because they can.”), and men interrupting and changing the subject because the woman stops to take a breath.
Some of the essays present neither her nor her spouse in a positive light: She thinks it’s cute when her five-year-old daughter memorizes the words to Bohemian Rhapsody and sings about how she killed a man. (Why should the child have even heard the song let alone hear it often enough to memorize it?) She writes about arguments and drinking vodka while trying to convince her husband take their young son for a walk in the park. His excuse for not doing it? He has to take the dog for a walk. She’s highly into designer labels and gets upset because her husband throws the paper towels he uses to wash his hands on the floor instead of into the wastepaper basket. She doesn’t seem to care about ecology and using (and reusing) cloth towels instead of wasteful paper.
I think this book provided me with enough information about her writing that I won’t be reading any more of them.
This book was a free Amazon download..
A WALK IN THE SNARK, a collection of essays originally posted on her blog is in the latter category. Some of her observations are on the mark. I couldn’t identify with others. She provides humorous insight into relations and differences between men and women dealing with their daily lives, children, children, and work. I think every reader will find something which will make them say, “Tell me about it. Been there. Done that.”
An important section deals with being in an abusive relationship but being blind to it, despite warnings from others, because she was in love. Later on she refers to two broken arms I don’t know whether they were hers or her daughters because she doesn’t offer an explanation.
She points out the differences in the way men and women perceive things. “Women think tender is something their men should be; men think tender is something their steak should be.”
Among the differences are food, temperature, the television remote control (“They turn it up simply because they can.”), and men interrupting and changing the subject because the woman stops to take a breath.
Some of the essays present neither her nor her spouse in a positive light: She thinks it’s cute when her five-year-old daughter memorizes the words to Bohemian Rhapsody and sings about how she killed a man. (Why should the child have even heard the song let alone hear it often enough to memorize it?) She writes about arguments and drinking vodka while trying to convince her husband take their young son for a walk in the park. His excuse for not doing it? He has to take the dog for a walk. She’s highly into designer labels and gets upset because her husband throws the paper towels he uses to wash his hands on the floor instead of into the wastepaper basket. She doesn’t seem to care about ecology and using (and reusing) cloth towels instead of wasteful paper.
I think this book provided me with enough information about her writing that I won’t be reading any more of them.
This book was a free Amazon download..
January 4, 2012
This book is a fast-paced, easy read; alternating between hysterically funny observations about the differences in the way men and women approach life and poignant, sometimes raw, recollections of personal experiences and revelations.
There has been some noise that this is a "Woman's book". Nope, I don't think so. I wouldn't classify this as Chick-Lit either. I think that's too narrow. Nor is it a feminist, male-bashing manifesto. It's more like a general field guide to relationships in the wild. Rachel's kinda like a red-headed, Marlin Perkins.
There is no presumption of gender superiority here. Her razor sharp wit dissects the communication blockage between males and females and surprise! We are both to blame! Or not, because blame is so negative ... I digress.
As a guy, I laughed so hard I cried. There were times when the observations stung a bit ("Manesia" for example), but if you're honest with yourself, you have to see the humor. The interactions are, for the most part, spot on (more on that later).
But, fair warning; if you haven't a sense of humor regarding the foibles of your gender, don't read A Walk in the Snark. It'll just piss you off.
I don't want to give anything away but (I'm going to), if you can buy into the concept that men speak directly to a point and women speak in circles because it's an intellectual manifestation of physical characteristics, then this book is for you!
Now for the part that's not quite spot on; I'm not sure I fully agree with the assertion that men are from Seinfeld and women are from Friends. I think it more likely that men are from Monday Night Football. That's why we have to have the remote and can't pick up paper towels. "Flag on the play!...."
In any event, I highly recommend it for anyone who has ever had a relationship. Or is thinking about one. Or thinks that relationships are wonderful. Or stupid. Well, pretty much everybody.
In the interests of full disclosure, I couldn't tell you exactly when or where I stumbled upon Rachel, but I believe that Twitter was involved. I'm not sure if it was at fault, but it certainly is to blame.
;P
There has been some noise that this is a "Woman's book". Nope, I don't think so. I wouldn't classify this as Chick-Lit either. I think that's too narrow. Nor is it a feminist, male-bashing manifesto. It's more like a general field guide to relationships in the wild. Rachel's kinda like a red-headed, Marlin Perkins.
There is no presumption of gender superiority here. Her razor sharp wit dissects the communication blockage between males and females and surprise! We are both to blame! Or not, because blame is so negative ... I digress.
As a guy, I laughed so hard I cried. There were times when the observations stung a bit ("Manesia" for example), but if you're honest with yourself, you have to see the humor. The interactions are, for the most part, spot on (more on that later).
But, fair warning; if you haven't a sense of humor regarding the foibles of your gender, don't read A Walk in the Snark. It'll just piss you off.
I don't want to give anything away but (I'm going to), if you can buy into the concept that men speak directly to a point and women speak in circles because it's an intellectual manifestation of physical characteristics, then this book is for you!
Now for the part that's not quite spot on; I'm not sure I fully agree with the assertion that men are from Seinfeld and women are from Friends. I think it more likely that men are from Monday Night Football. That's why we have to have the remote and can't pick up paper towels. "Flag on the play!...."
In any event, I highly recommend it for anyone who has ever had a relationship. Or is thinking about one. Or thinks that relationships are wonderful. Or stupid. Well, pretty much everybody.
In the interests of full disclosure, I couldn't tell you exactly when or where I stumbled upon Rachel, but I believe that Twitter was involved. I'm not sure if it was at fault, but it certainly is to blame.
;P
July 5, 2011
This review was first posted @ The Australian Bookshelf
I’ll start by saying, that I ‘listened’ to this ebook using my (brand new!) Kindle ‘text to speech’ settings. It was my first experience in using this and luckily, this book was perfect to try. The author has a conversational style of writing that worked really well as an audio.
The first few pages seemed to be a bit of disclaimer, reviews and a bit of babble and I was beginning to think it was going to be a bit trashy especially when she started to chat about some of the male and female ‘stereotypical’ behaviours. Perhaps I couldn’t really relate completely to Rachel’s description of a man because I am one of those lucky few who have a thoughtful, domesticated boyfriend who actually enjoys cleaning and puts the toilet seat down! And I on the other hand am guilty of not replacing the toilet paper roll! But, in spite of all that I was actually laughing out loud, which is saying a lot when a computerised robot was reading out the jokes!
What I found particularly interesting was the topic of Rachel’s prior abusive relationship. As I work in a professional role with many women victims of domestic violence I was interested in what she had to say and whether it would be of any use to women who are currently in those situations and reading her book. Fortunately, Rachel seemed to have processed the experience and has some insight into where she was in her life at the time and to reflect back on that time with some level of objectivity.
I think this book is a compilation of Rachel’s blog posts and so at times it was repetitive and I did get a little bit bored. However, I couldn’t just turn the page because I was listening to it while driving to work- so just had to put up with it until she moved on to something new. Rachel talks about relationships, parenting and how men and women differ in their communication styles, needs and wants. I wonder if stay at home mums with kids may relate to Rachel more than what I did? But overall, it was an enjoyable read (listen)- it didn’t change my life, but I had a couple of laughs so I am pretty satisfied.
I’ll start by saying, that I ‘listened’ to this ebook using my (brand new!) Kindle ‘text to speech’ settings. It was my first experience in using this and luckily, this book was perfect to try. The author has a conversational style of writing that worked really well as an audio.
The first few pages seemed to be a bit of disclaimer, reviews and a bit of babble and I was beginning to think it was going to be a bit trashy especially when she started to chat about some of the male and female ‘stereotypical’ behaviours. Perhaps I couldn’t really relate completely to Rachel’s description of a man because I am one of those lucky few who have a thoughtful, domesticated boyfriend who actually enjoys cleaning and puts the toilet seat down! And I on the other hand am guilty of not replacing the toilet paper roll! But, in spite of all that I was actually laughing out loud, which is saying a lot when a computerised robot was reading out the jokes!
What I found particularly interesting was the topic of Rachel’s prior abusive relationship. As I work in a professional role with many women victims of domestic violence I was interested in what she had to say and whether it would be of any use to women who are currently in those situations and reading her book. Fortunately, Rachel seemed to have processed the experience and has some insight into where she was in her life at the time and to reflect back on that time with some level of objectivity.
I think this book is a compilation of Rachel’s blog posts and so at times it was repetitive and I did get a little bit bored. However, I couldn’t just turn the page because I was listening to it while driving to work- so just had to put up with it until she moved on to something new. Rachel talks about relationships, parenting and how men and women differ in their communication styles, needs and wants. I wonder if stay at home mums with kids may relate to Rachel more than what I did? But overall, it was an enjoyable read (listen)- it didn’t change my life, but I had a couple of laughs so I am pretty satisfied.
April 4, 2011
It is somehow appropriate that as I’m writing this, Real Housewives of Orange County is playing in the background. Appropriate because Rachel Thompson is about as real as it gets, and couldn’t be farther from the ladies of Bravo.
The contrast between the two is striking. For everything fake on the ladies on TV (and I’m not being critical here- if it works for them, go for it) there’s an authenticity to Rachel’s writing. You feel like you know her. You wonder why it is, exactly, that you aren’t sitting on the patio with her sipping a martini, because aside from the fact that you don’t actually know her and live on opposite sides of the country, reading A Walk In the Snark feels like you’re talking with a very good friend.
Rachel’s trademark snark is what draws you in. If you head her blog, Rachel in the OC, then you’re familiar with Rachel’s take on the Mancode (Male speak for nearly anything), all things Prada, the coolness of Pat Benatar, and the power of a perfectly prepared martini. She talks about all these things in the book. I found myself smirking more than once, nodding at the familiarity of it all.
And I love the snark. I can be quite snarky myself. But where I feel Rachel really shines is in the few places where she’s quite poignant. Without divulging spoilers, I want to talk a little bit about Rachel’s recounting the sudden entrance and tragic exit of an ex back into her life. I really appreciated the vulnerability and genuine emotion Rachel shares in these passages about D.
I know that’s not a trademark of snark, but the introspection actually made me appreciate the snark more. Much like life, it takes going through the sad, awful, terrible stuff to appreciate the mundane, the ordinary, the simple things that are really quite spectacular in the way they make you love and laugh.
A Walk in the Snark is a series of essays so it is a perfect on-the-go read. When you have a few minutes, take in a quick story. Nod to yourself when she talks about the crinkled paper towels on the counter, or the importance of Prada shoes at a football party. You won’t be disappointed.
The contrast between the two is striking. For everything fake on the ladies on TV (and I’m not being critical here- if it works for them, go for it) there’s an authenticity to Rachel’s writing. You feel like you know her. You wonder why it is, exactly, that you aren’t sitting on the patio with her sipping a martini, because aside from the fact that you don’t actually know her and live on opposite sides of the country, reading A Walk In the Snark feels like you’re talking with a very good friend.
Rachel’s trademark snark is what draws you in. If you head her blog, Rachel in the OC, then you’re familiar with Rachel’s take on the Mancode (Male speak for nearly anything), all things Prada, the coolness of Pat Benatar, and the power of a perfectly prepared martini. She talks about all these things in the book. I found myself smirking more than once, nodding at the familiarity of it all.
And I love the snark. I can be quite snarky myself. But where I feel Rachel really shines is in the few places where she’s quite poignant. Without divulging spoilers, I want to talk a little bit about Rachel’s recounting the sudden entrance and tragic exit of an ex back into her life. I really appreciated the vulnerability and genuine emotion Rachel shares in these passages about D.
I know that’s not a trademark of snark, but the introspection actually made me appreciate the snark more. Much like life, it takes going through the sad, awful, terrible stuff to appreciate the mundane, the ordinary, the simple things that are really quite spectacular in the way they make you love and laugh.
A Walk in the Snark is a series of essays so it is a perfect on-the-go read. When you have a few minutes, take in a quick story. Nod to yourself when she talks about the crinkled paper towels on the counter, or the importance of Prada shoes at a football party. You won’t be disappointed.
June 24, 2013
I'd like to start out by saying I love Rachel Thompson. The woman is a promotion god. She's friendly, she puts her time in, she makes the connections, she works incredibly hard. She's a total inspiration to me. She does what I wish I could.
That being said, her book could have greatly benefited from an editor's eye. I could be wrong, and I'm sure this was her intention (to mix up the chapters as the blog posts they actually are) but to put a book together you need continuity, transition and a reason for the reader to be there.
If I wanted to read a blog, I'd have read hers. It's different. Blog posts have titles, synopses, a social presence. Books...don't.
The heavy stuff needed more than a "Hey, this isn't going to be funny, deal with it" announcement. Because it's not that it wasn't funny. It's that it was out of place, and all of those serious posts flowed together in a way that needed to be presented together.
Other issues I had have nothing to do with her writing, so much as I simply don't have as much in common with her as I assumed I did. For instance, I'm a SAHM / WAHM blogger, and I make drinking jokes all the time. Like, all the time. But half of her martini jokes left me flat for some reason. And Prada. Name brands and I...eh, I don't care about them. And it's mentioned a lot. And all the times she's trying to make a joke about her husband going to the store, I have to stop and think, "But, Rachel! YOU HAVE A HUSBAND WHO GOES TO THE STORE!"
We simply speak two different blogging languages which is so strange since they are so incredibly similar. A few differences, do indeed, make all the difference, I suppose.
In the end, I was really disappointed in this book. It's a bunch of blog posts strung together without consistency about stuff that somehow doesn't apply to me.
I'm still going to read Mancode, and I hear Broken Pieces has a more serious bent, so I might try that one as well. I really want to like this woman's work and I'm determined to find something she's done that I can rate higher.
That being said, her book could have greatly benefited from an editor's eye. I could be wrong, and I'm sure this was her intention (to mix up the chapters as the blog posts they actually are) but to put a book together you need continuity, transition and a reason for the reader to be there.
If I wanted to read a blog, I'd have read hers. It's different. Blog posts have titles, synopses, a social presence. Books...don't.
The heavy stuff needed more than a "Hey, this isn't going to be funny, deal with it" announcement. Because it's not that it wasn't funny. It's that it was out of place, and all of those serious posts flowed together in a way that needed to be presented together.
Other issues I had have nothing to do with her writing, so much as I simply don't have as much in common with her as I assumed I did. For instance, I'm a SAHM / WAHM blogger, and I make drinking jokes all the time. Like, all the time. But half of her martini jokes left me flat for some reason. And Prada. Name brands and I...eh, I don't care about them. And it's mentioned a lot. And all the times she's trying to make a joke about her husband going to the store, I have to stop and think, "But, Rachel! YOU HAVE A HUSBAND WHO GOES TO THE STORE!"
We simply speak two different blogging languages which is so strange since they are so incredibly similar. A few differences, do indeed, make all the difference, I suppose.
In the end, I was really disappointed in this book. It's a bunch of blog posts strung together without consistency about stuff that somehow doesn't apply to me.
I'm still going to read Mancode, and I hear Broken Pieces has a more serious bent, so I might try that one as well. I really want to like this woman's work and I'm determined to find something she's done that I can rate higher.
January 11, 2012
Are you ready to read a hilarious take on the age old battle of the sexes: men vs. women, and how they approach things differently? According to Rachel Thompson, the author of A Walk In The Snark, "Men are from Seinfeld, Women are from Friends." This book reads like a relationship guidebook for men and women: she discusses how men live by a set of "Mancode" rules that drives women crazy, while women utilize "Chickspeak," a language that women understand but men just don't get, and probably never will. In between the obvious snarky comedic look at how different men and women really are, the author also provides the readers with a poignant look into her life with her family, and talks about a past abusive relationship that much later turned into a sad story of lost love.
A Walk In The Snark, is a wickedly humorous book that centers around the relationship communication concept that "men speak directly in a point, while women speak in circles." Communication, communication, communication! There are so many funny parts in this book that both sexes can laugh about: "manesia," "chick lists," "shopping," "closet space," "paper towel wars," "remote control hoarder," "cold feet" ... and these are just some of the topics covered by The Queen of Snark ... have I whet your appetite enough to read the book? *snickers*
Just like in her second book, The Mancode: Exposed, Rachel's witty take on men, women, relationships and stereotypes will have you laughing from beginning to end, you'll be shaking your head in agreement, and it will leave you pondering about your own relationship. So step into Rachel's world, and let A Walk In The Snark be your entertainment for the night!
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
A Walk In The Snark, is a wickedly humorous book that centers around the relationship communication concept that "men speak directly in a point, while women speak in circles." Communication, communication, communication! There are so many funny parts in this book that both sexes can laugh about: "manesia," "chick lists," "shopping," "closet space," "paper towel wars," "remote control hoarder," "cold feet" ... and these are just some of the topics covered by The Queen of Snark ... have I whet your appetite enough to read the book? *snickers*
Just like in her second book, The Mancode: Exposed, Rachel's witty take on men, women, relationships and stereotypes will have you laughing from beginning to end, you'll be shaking your head in agreement, and it will leave you pondering about your own relationship. So step into Rachel's world, and let A Walk In The Snark be your entertainment for the night!
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 20, 2011
I grab this book after I read the review from Maxwell Cynn, the book was in my list, yes the I may never read all the books I wish list.
I have never met Rachel, but I know that she is part of the IBC that I am actively participating, and she was one of the people that was behind the incredible Blog for Troops that I participate in Memorial Weekend.
This book is a collection of articles/post she had on her blog (that I also discover recently), if you had never read it, stop reading here, go there. (I promise my blog will be here after you laugh a lot)
I pick this book and read it on one sit, I laughed mostly, she open my eyes on certain issues (chick stuff) but more than anything saw a human side for RachelontheOC. (Rachel Thomson)
Writers are human, we make mistakes, we said things we should not, and we think things that we will not admit to ourselves we did, those things will die with us (or be part of a really sick character on a book, maybe a funny one if we are lucky)
If you are looking for a good laugh, pick this book, you will laugh from beginning to end and may even get a couple of moments that you will stop reflect, and understand or discover something, (about her, but maybe about you) and then you will go back to laughing again.
This book was a nice treat, and I am glad it got to the top of the list.
I have never met Rachel, but I know that she is part of the IBC that I am actively participating, and she was one of the people that was behind the incredible Blog for Troops that I participate in Memorial Weekend.
This book is a collection of articles/post she had on her blog (that I also discover recently), if you had never read it, stop reading here, go there. (I promise my blog will be here after you laugh a lot)
I pick this book and read it on one sit, I laughed mostly, she open my eyes on certain issues (chick stuff) but more than anything saw a human side for RachelontheOC. (Rachel Thomson)
Writers are human, we make mistakes, we said things we should not, and we think things that we will not admit to ourselves we did, those things will die with us (or be part of a really sick character on a book, maybe a funny one if we are lucky)
If you are looking for a good laugh, pick this book, you will laugh from beginning to end and may even get a couple of moments that you will stop reflect, and understand or discover something, (about her, but maybe about you) and then you will go back to laughing again.
This book was a nice treat, and I am glad it got to the top of the list.
January 16, 2012
I follow Rachel on twitter and her blog. She is hysterical. As a wife and mom I could relate to most of what she writes about. I caught myself laughing out loud. My kids would stare at me like I was crazier than normal. Rachel puts things into perspective as a working mom and wife. Her anecdotes remind me that we are not all cut out to be perfect soccer moms and I am totally ok with that.
I didn't read the book in one sitting, rather, I bounced back to it every few days because it was light, enjoyable reading. Her #Mancode and #Chickspeak comments are dead on. These are the two opposites that come together in a marriage.
I would randomly share a passage with my husband. Somehow he didn't find it as humorous as I, perhaps because he does not pretend to understand#Chickspeak. I also used passages to reinforce the fact that it is not just I who bitch about their men. Love mine, but he needs to read the book. Maybe he'll feel better knowing other women throw their men under the bus all the time. Get over it. It's what we do.
Rachel is funny and, of course, snarky. Any "Martini toting mom" is all right by me. It was a really enjoyable, tongue in cheek poke at the differences between men and women.
I didn't read the book in one sitting, rather, I bounced back to it every few days because it was light, enjoyable reading. Her #Mancode and #Chickspeak comments are dead on. These are the two opposites that come together in a marriage.
I would randomly share a passage with my husband. Somehow he didn't find it as humorous as I, perhaps because he does not pretend to understand#Chickspeak. I also used passages to reinforce the fact that it is not just I who bitch about their men. Love mine, but he needs to read the book. Maybe he'll feel better knowing other women throw their men under the bus all the time. Get over it. It's what we do.
Rachel is funny and, of course, snarky. Any "Martini toting mom" is all right by me. It was a really enjoyable, tongue in cheek poke at the differences between men and women.
January 6, 2013
There are many things I liked about this book. Author Rachel Thompson has a unique voice that can make even the most mundane topics seem hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. There were times, I worried she fell into stereotypes but I realized she explores these ideas rather than bluntly stating them as fact. Her brilliance lies in breaking down the walls of misunderstanding that plague relationships. Men and women are different but they can love each other. They only must learn to laugh at the little things as Thompson has so well.
The strength of A Walk in the Snark is not only humor, however. I appreciated the serious elements, dealing with the suicide of her ex-boyfriend. It made the book truly significant for me. She says many important things with comedy, but none as poignantly or raw. I thought over her words when he reached out to her. I wondered what I might have said in the same situation. To be honest, I have no idea. It's tragic to think of one person holding someone together long after they break-up. I wish her ex could have moved on and been happy. I wish that of all who reach that point of no return.
The strength of A Walk in the Snark is not only humor, however. I appreciated the serious elements, dealing with the suicide of her ex-boyfriend. It made the book truly significant for me. She says many important things with comedy, but none as poignantly or raw. I thought over her words when he reached out to her. I wondered what I might have said in the same situation. To be honest, I have no idea. It's tragic to think of one person holding someone together long after they break-up. I wish her ex could have moved on and been happy. I wish that of all who reach that point of no return.
April 8, 2011
Thompson will dig into your heart and make you laugh with A Walk in the Snark. It’s a collection of about relationships, about men, about woman, and their interaction with each other. A Walk in the Snark is about relationships between men and women. I just love how she describes situations and you are in two categories, “Yeah I have been there” or “Yeah I have seen that”. Thompson is also a very funny woman and you will see that in our interview below as well as in the book. There are just moments that will also surprise and delight as Thompson teaches us about life and how to deal with certain situations in your life such as loss. This is one of the best books that I have read that just make you appreciate what you have, but also adds the touch of snark (as Thompson likes to call it), but also lots of love and humor are also poured in. You cannot miss this book, this a must read and it totally deserves to be #1 on Kindle!
November 9, 2011
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly loved it! Humor is a genre that I rarely seek out but usually enjoy. A Walk in the Snark was no exception.
Ms. Thompson does an excellent job of balancing tales of domestic and marital "bliss and blunder" with poignant stories of a past love that hit a very tragic end. I found myself alternately laughing and tearing up as I read, which to me is the sign of a great book. Rather than serving as a mere "rehashing" of RachelintheOC's popular blog, A Walk in the Snark offers personal insights and wonderful transitions that help expound on topics that rather often hit close to home.
I would recommend this for any woman who has ever regarded a man's need to control the remote with a dramatic eye roll and who understands that some problems--many, in fact--can be solved with chocolate, Prada and/or a very good martini. And guys...if you ever wonder why we act the way we do? This book is for you, too!
Ms. Thompson does an excellent job of balancing tales of domestic and marital "bliss and blunder" with poignant stories of a past love that hit a very tragic end. I found myself alternately laughing and tearing up as I read, which to me is the sign of a great book. Rather than serving as a mere "rehashing" of RachelintheOC's popular blog, A Walk in the Snark offers personal insights and wonderful transitions that help expound on topics that rather often hit close to home.
I would recommend this for any woman who has ever regarded a man's need to control the remote with a dramatic eye roll and who understands that some problems--many, in fact--can be solved with chocolate, Prada and/or a very good martini. And guys...if you ever wonder why we act the way we do? This book is for you, too!
January 31, 2012
Ladies, are you feeling a bit lonely? Or did your guy do something completely stupid and now you're frustrated beyond measure, you feel like no one in the world understands? Take A Walk in the Snark; go on, I'll wait for you to put on your schmancy Keds or New Balance trainers...
Well, Rachel Thompson is here to offer you relief from that loneliness and show that, yes, she understands what you're going through. Her personality pops off the pages as she trusts you with humorous, intimate, and sometimes a wee bit raunchy gossip. Reading Snark is like getting a best friend in a box, or in an eBook as the case may be.
Pick it up and read it straight through or come back to it again and again like you would your favorite issue of Cosmo. Rachel sums it all up for us right in the beginning when she explains that "Women are from Friends; Men are from Seinfeld." Let Rachel be there for you; you may even score a coveted cup o' joe from her coffeemaker "Joey."
Well, Rachel Thompson is here to offer you relief from that loneliness and show that, yes, she understands what you're going through. Her personality pops off the pages as she trusts you with humorous, intimate, and sometimes a wee bit raunchy gossip. Reading Snark is like getting a best friend in a box, or in an eBook as the case may be.
Pick it up and read it straight through or come back to it again and again like you would your favorite issue of Cosmo. Rachel sums it all up for us right in the beginning when she explains that "Women are from Friends; Men are from Seinfeld." Let Rachel be there for you; you may even score a coveted cup o' joe from her coffeemaker "Joey."
July 31, 2011
Rachel Thompson is hilarious! Snarky doesn’t even begin to describe her. Her Mancode and Chickspeak essays are dead-on. I do indeed communicate in shoes and my husband also has trouble throwing away used paper towels.
Her essays on her ex “D” are poignant and sad. The whole situation must have been extremely difficult to deal with and she handled it with grace and poise.
I especially loved her essay entitled “Mommy’s School of Rock”. I can just picture everyone’s reaction upon hearing her five-year-old singing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the grocery store. All I know is that when I become a parent, I hope I’m a mom like Rachel.
I highly recommend “A Walk in the Snark” to anyone with a sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, try reading it anyway. You may just like it.
Her essays on her ex “D” are poignant and sad. The whole situation must have been extremely difficult to deal with and she handled it with grace and poise.
I especially loved her essay entitled “Mommy’s School of Rock”. I can just picture everyone’s reaction upon hearing her five-year-old singing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in the grocery store. All I know is that when I become a parent, I hope I’m a mom like Rachel.
I highly recommend “A Walk in the Snark” to anyone with a sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, try reading it anyway. You may just like it.
July 18, 2011
I might be a little bias as I know Rachel but, this book was too good to put down. Rachel has a different view of life then some of us and it makes for a funny, totally agreeing, head turning, sarcastic read. I enjoyed every word and agreed with her a lot. Some things men and women ( one just a few things ) amaze me. Rachel makes some of the everyday issues into humor. There are also moments Rachel lets us in to her heart.
I liked the way Rachel laughs at herself and our sex. You have to laugh at yourself now a days or you will be so tensed up there is no where to go. This light humorous read was worth the wait to read it.
I liked the way Rachel laughs at herself and our sex. You have to laugh at yourself now a days or you will be so tensed up there is no where to go. This light humorous read was worth the wait to read it.
July 25, 2012
A Walk In The Snark is a collection of work from the wildly popular Rachel Thompson, also known as Rachel in the OC. I love her writing because it's fresh, no-nonsense, and she's a strong woman who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. At times, the humor is self-depreciating with the author laughing as much at herself as she does the men she loves. And trust me, she does LOVE men, but let's face it, men and women are different, and humor is often the best way to showcase these differences.
Read a fresh voice about relationships that will make you laugh until you cry. Along the way, you may possibly even learn something.
Comment
Read a fresh voice about relationships that will make you laugh until you cry. Along the way, you may possibly even learn something.
Comment
April 7, 2011
This book was pretty funny and quite witty. I couldnt really relate too much because I'm not married and have no kids, but her snark and sense of humor are universal. I particularly enjoyed the "man code" stuff. I found it hard to get through her ex-boyfriends stuff, mostly because it hit a little too close to my own personal little home, but overall I was amused and entertained for at least a few good hours.
I might even consider peeking in on her blog every now and then, and I totally think she is lucky to have an understanding husband with a sense of humor.
I might even consider peeking in on her blog every now and then, and I totally think she is lucky to have an understanding husband with a sense of humor.
January 2, 2012
If you are looking for a humorous story to brighten up your New Year, I suggest you pick up this little gem. Rachael has a fantastic sense of humor that shows through in this snarkish out look of life in Orange County. Between her Mancode and chickspeak interpretations it will keep you laughing. It does seem a little repetitive at times with links going back to her blog which this is based off of. If you are expecting an autobiography of a funny lady, this is not it. However, if you want just a few funny moments that pick out who she really is, grab it.
March 28, 2012
OMG... At points reading this I am sure that the author was sitting over my shoulder reading as I wrote in my journal... I guess it just goes to show that men really do have certain traits, as do women, and we need to learn to deal with them!
At times incredibly funny, at other times very thought provoking, for both men and women. All in all it was a very fun read and was well worth the time. I find at times reading a book of blog posts can be frustrating, but this one definitely was very well put together.
At times incredibly funny, at other times very thought provoking, for both men and women. All in all it was a very fun read and was well worth the time. I find at times reading a book of blog posts can be frustrating, but this one definitely was very well put together.
May 20, 2011
Am I the only one who thought this book was way too short? I even read all the poignant chapters!
There is something for every woman here. My smiles broke out wide at the references to Friends episodes. I do wonder how many people started drinking martinis before they finished the book.
The comments about working at Longs Drugs brought back memories of my stint as a grocery store clerk. And Rachel's quip about canned Spam and Hawaii was right on the mark.
There is something for every woman here. My smiles broke out wide at the references to Friends episodes. I do wonder how many people started drinking martinis before they finished the book.
The comments about working at Longs Drugs brought back memories of my stint as a grocery store clerk. And Rachel's quip about canned Spam and Hawaii was right on the mark.
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